Our Story

Wine is, after all, a true and mesmerizing Artifact. By definition, an Artifact is, “an object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest and significance and is many times found in a subterranean environment.” The passion for wine and the vision to create something special at the stunning Whatcom Lightcatcher Museum facility brought Jeff “Wick” Wicklund and James McClure together to pursue this Artifact quest. They have gathered together a top-shelf, tight-knit staff that share their passion to continue to immerse themselves in the wonderful world of food and wine and share that passion with the greater Whatcom community.

Together we have created a space open to wine lovers of all levels, from first-time tasters to those building their own at-home cellars. Our unique downtown Bellingham shop offers the best of both worlds – an impressive retail selection boasting wines from all corners of the world as well as a carefully curated in-house menu complete with a rotating wine-list.

“I like to think about what was going on the year the grapes were growing; how the sun was shining; if it rained. I like to think about all the people who tended and picked the grapes. And if it’s an old wine, how many of them must be dead by now. I like how wine continues to evolve, like if I opened a bottle of wine today it would taste different than if I’d opened it on any other day, because a bottle of wine is actually alive. And it’s constantly evolving and gaining complexity. That is, until it peaks, like your ’61. And then it begins its steady, inevitable decline . . . And it tastes so f**king good” –Sideways (2004)

Find us

ArtiFacts Wine Bar
250 Flora Street
Bellingham, WA 98225

202 Grand Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225
1.360.778.2101

We’re located in the Lightcatcher Building in beautiful Downtown Bellingham. Our main entrance and courtyard entrance is on Grand Avenue, but you can also get to us through the Museum’s main entry, when they’re open!

Testimonials

Artifacts is something Bellingham has needed for a long time. Great wine you can’t find just anywhere, and amazing food!The coffee is great too. I work downtown and it’s so great to have my morning coffee, lunch, and happy hour all in one great atmosphere!

A. Johnson

I love this place: the food is amazing! It’s nice to be able to eat it there, with some amazing wine, or take food with me when I want a quick and delicious meal. And the wine. Did I mention the wine?? So good: unique, tasty. I will definitely be back a lot!

L. Ansley

The food and wine is out of the world, but I would be a fool to not tell you how awesome the staff is. It’s obvious that they love what they do.